Coronavirus: New restrictions likely for Mumbai, parts of Maharashtra
What's the story
New restrictions are likely to be imposed in Mumbai and other parts of Maharashtra as the state has been witnessing a spike in COVID-19 infections. Maharashtra is India's worst-hit state in terms of the absolute number of cases, the absolute number of deaths, the number of active infections, and the rate of rise in infections. Here are more details.
Lockdown
Some regions already facing curbs
The new restrictions in Maharashtra could include new attendance norms for offices and businesses, some control over crowds at temples and shrines, and fresh bars on social events (both private and public), The Times of India reported. Already, lockdown restrictions have been ordered in Nagpur and hotspots in Thane. The Latur district has ordered a night curfew effective between 8 pm and 5 am.
Outbreak
How bad is the COVID-19 situation in Maharashtra?
On Sunday, Maharashtra reported 16,620 new cases and 50 fresh fatalities. As many as 1,08,381 people were tested on Sunday. The total number of cases has reached 23,14,413, which includes 52,861 deaths, 1,26,231 active cases, and 21,34,072 recoveries. The worst-hit districts in the state are Pune (which reported 3,259 new cases on Sunday), followed by Nagpur (2,353), Mumbai (1,963), Thane (1,348), and Nashik (1,344).
Government
Thackeray to hold key consultations on Tuesday
Chief Minister Uddhav Thackeray will on Tuesday hold consultations with key members of the state's COVID-19 Task Force, Deputy CM Ajit Pawar, Health Minister Rajesh Tope, and Chief Secretary Sitaram Kunte. Thackeray has repeatedly warned that lockdown restrictions in more regions are likely. The Union Health Ministry has said that large gatherings and a lack of COVID-appropriate behavior are leading the spike in infections.
Karnataka
Second wave likely in Karnataka
Separately, Karnataka has also been witnessing a rise in infections. The state reported 934 new cases and three fresh fatalities on Sunday. 73,108 tests were conducted on the day. The total number of cases in the state has reached 9,60,272, including 12,390 deaths and 9,39,499 discharges. Experts and doctors predicted that there is going to be a second wave in the state.